Creation And Evolution in Buddhism
Creation and Evolution
Creation occurs repeatedly throughout time in cycles. In the beginning of each cycle, land forms, in darkness, on the surface of the water. Beings who populated the universe in the previous cycle are reborn; some of them become the “new” humans in the new universe. Suffering and misery reigns. That is where we stand today. Eventually, the universe breaks down; all living creatures return to the soul life, and the cycle repeats. This is essentially the same as the Big Bang/Big Crunch theory, only integrating the ideas of reincarnation and karma. This is once again a remnant of Buddhism’s basis in Hinduism. Although there are minor differences in details, most Buddhists believe these essential ideas or something close.
There is no Creator god. There is no “Creation” in the usual Christian-like way of looking at it. Some older Buddhist stories do indeed involve some kind of god or gods making the creation happen. Today, these are generally accepted as symbolic stories and allegories for the more scientific “Big Bang” theory mentioned above.
For the same reasons, most Buddhists also accept the theory of Evolution. Simple life forms evolved and changed until the creatures we know today existed.
As I mentioned in the review of the Dalai Lama’s book a few days ago, he, as well as most Buddhists, accepts scientific thought over Buddhist myths whenever there are conflicting ideas or theories. This is why Buddhism is usually considered the most logical and rational of belief systems.
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July 31st, 2008 at 3:20 pm
From what you stated, In the beginning of each cycle, land forms, in darkness, on the surface of the water,… simple life forms evolved abd changed until creatures …existed.
How did the land, darkness, water, and simple life forms come into existence? If they were created by the “Big Bang” what was in existence to make the big bang? What is the starting point for all this. I really ask for better understanding.
July 31st, 2008 at 6:23 pm
OK, it’s not really exactly like the Big Bang theory; it doesn’t go anywhere near that far, but it is obviously cyclical in the same way. The universe begins and ends in a regular fashion, only the details between their stories and our science differ a bit.
I don’t remember any official doctrine behind what you are asking. I suspect that in those days they just didn’t have any real conception of a “planet” or “universe” in the way we do today. On the bottom was water, and the land was on top of that. If land forms on top of the water, that’s gotta be the beginning right? Nothing could be under all that water!!!
Just my logical guess. If anyone knows any better, please post it!